How to Treat Itchy Eyes

Take a moment to imagine life without your eyes. It’s definitely a disturbing thought — one you would spend much time dwelling on. By all means, you want to sort out any issue you have with your eyes to ensure a happy life. As minor as it seems, itchy eyes is a common problem for many — increased cases of allergies and the changing weather are common causes of this condition. Have you been wondering if there are natural remedies to itchy eyes? Then keep reading, as you’re about to get 13 answers to your question.

Causes of Itchy Eyes

Also known as ocular pruritus, itchy eyes is a result of various factors. Let’s discuss some of them.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction caused by contact lenses that lead to itching.

Contact Dermatitis

This inflammatory skin condition is a result of environmental conditions.

Dry Eye Syndrome

This occurs as a result of little or no moisture and lubrication in the eyes.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Located in the upper and lower eyelids, the meibomian glands secrete oil, and when they clog or experience abnormal development, there may be an insufficient amount of oil in tears, leading to evaporation, irritation, and dry eyes.

Blepharitis

Caused by staphylococcal bacteria or eyelid mites, this is a condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids.

Infectious Conjunctivitis

Infectious conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes are infected by bacterial or viral infections.

Other factors that can increase the risk of developing itchy eyes are:

• Menopause
• Environmental conditions like air conditioning, dry air, and smoking
• Medical conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea
• Dust, pollen, and animal dander
• Spending long durations in front of electronic gadgets
• Advancing age

Symptoms of Itchy Eyes

• Itchy eyes
• Redness
• Sensitivity to light
• A burning sensation in the eyes
• Constant watering or dry eyes
• Swelling of the eyes

13 Home Remedies for Itchy Eyes

Cucumber Slices

Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants. They have a soothing effect on skin irritations and reduce swelling. Cucumbers also have a cooling effect that eases itching in the eyes. You only need a cucumber for this remedy.

Method

• Cut a cucumber into two round slices.
• Place each slice over your closed eyes.
• Leave them on the eyes till they turn warm.
• You could do this once or twice daily.

Potato

Potatoes contain glycoalkaloids that are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Applying potatoes topically is effective in reducing swelling and itchiness in the eyes. You only need a raw potato for this treatment.

Method

• Refrigerate a raw potato.
• Cut it into two circular slices.
• Place one slice on each eye.
• Let it stay for 15 minutes.
• You could do this thrice daily.

Cold Compress

The topical application of ice packs helps to deliver oil from the meibomian glands. It also soothes itching and irritation in the eyes. You only need an ice pack for this treatment.

Method

• Place an ice pack on the affected eye.
• Let it stay for two minutes.
• Do this as many times as you can each day.

Tea Bags

Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that improves surface inflammation in dry eyes. Applying it topically will give some relief from itchy and dry eyes. You only need used green tea bags for this remedy.

Method

• Refrigerate used green tea bags for 30 minutes.
• Place the chilled tea bags on your closed eyelids.
• Let them stay for 10 to 15 minutes before taking them off.
• Do this whenever your eyes itch.

Cold Milk

Cold milk acts as a cold compress, and its topical application relieves swelling and itchiness in the eyes. You only need a tablespoon of cold milk together with cotton pads.

Method

Dip a cotton pad in cold milk.
Close the itchy eye and place the soaked pad over it.
Let it stay for about 10 minutes before removing it.
Do this twice or thrice a day.

Water

Water cleanses the eyes and may soothe the irritation instantly. You only need some water for this treatment. Wash your eyes with purified running water whenever they feel itchy.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has got natural astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that combat inflammation and itchiness in the eyes. With witch hazel extract and cotton pads, you`re good to go for this treatment.

Method

• Soak cotton pads in witch hazel.
• Place the pads over your closed eyelids.
• Remove the witch hazel compress after 15 minutes.
• You may do this twice daily.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera soothes eye inflammation. Applying it topically will give you some relief for itchy eyes. You only need some aloe vera juice and cotton balls for this treatment.

Method

• Blend the aloe vera juice.
• Refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
• Soak cotton balls in the juice.
• Place one over each eye.
• Let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes before you remove it.
• You may do this as many times as you can each day.

Rose Water

Rosewater possesses hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties that treat dry and inflamed eye conditions. This makes it a super effective eyewash. You only need some rosewater and cotton balls for this treatment.

Method

Soak two cotton balls in rose water and place each on an eye.
Leave them on for 20 minutes.
You can also use rose water as eye drops.
You could use each of these treatments thrice daily.

Honey

Honey`soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make it therapeutic and great at treating eye diseases. Just get a tablespoon of honey for this treatment.

Method

• Apply some organic honey under your eyelids and leave it on for 20 minutes.
• You could also the honey as eye drops.
• Do this twice a day.

Essential Oils

Castor Oil

Castor oil`s lubricating effect on the eyes makes it fit for treating itchy eyes. You only need organic castor oil and cotton balls for this treatment.

Method

• Soak cotton balls with organic castor oil.
• Strain the excess oil.
• Place the cotton balls on your closed eyelids.
• Let it stay for 15 minutes.
• Rinse your eyes with water after removing it.
• You may do this twice daily.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe itchy eyes.

What you Need

• 4 drops of lavender oil
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (or any carrier oil)

What to Do

• Mix four drops of lavender oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil.
• Apply the mixture gently under the eyes and around the eyelids.
• Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
• You may do this twice daily.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that give some relief to itchy eyes.

What you Need

• 3-4 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (or any carrier oil)

What to Do

• Add three to four drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil (or any carrier oil).
• Mix properly and apply it all over your eyes.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it off.
• You may do this twice daily.

Vitamins

Itchy eyes may be as a result of the deficiency of certain vitamins. Vitamins A, C, and E are essential for eye health. People with itchy eyes usually suffer vitamin A deficiency. You will need green leafy vegetables, carrots, citrus fruits, cheese, turnips, kale, and mangoes for this treatment. Just consume them as often as you can to treat itchy eyes.

How to Prevent Itchy Eyes

• Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Protect your eyes from direct sunlight and allergens by always wearing a pair of sunglasses.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses for long durations.
• Flush your eyes with cold water as often as you can.